“O’zapft is!” Time once again for the community to come together to enjoy life and experience Southwest Florida’s biggest party – the 39th Annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest!
We at the German American Social Club (GASC) are so excited to invite you to the event for fun, great food, German beer, live music, laughter, and dancing – from polka to blues and country, to the Chicken Dance. Come and celebrate with your clan or crew, with your significant other, or even on your own – you’re bound to meet great people here! With German music and local bands, German food, and beer, there’s plenty of fun to go around, for any age. So, dust off your dirndls, launder your lederhosen and have an epic time of stein slurping with your “beste Freunde.”
This year’s dates are October 18,19, 20 and 25, 26, 27 – the last two full weekends of the month. Oktoberfest
Special Events
This World Is Not My Own – A Film Screening
Date and Time: October 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $10, Nonmember’s price, $12 Join us on Wednesday, October 16, for another exclusive film screening from the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers!
Chewing-gum sculptures, a wealthy gallerist, a firebrand wrestler, a notorious murder case and the segregated south – it’s all part of Nellie Mae Rowe’s boundless universe. This World is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist’s world and her life spanning the 20th century. With Uzo Aduba as the animated version of Nellie Mae Rowe. Catch the trailer for this headline worthy documentary on self-taught artist Nellie Mae Row here: https://vimeo. com/799921368.
Popcorn and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., film begins at 6 p.m.
Soundings
39th Oktoberfest 2024
Alliance For The Arts
intimately set Q&A session with one of the film’s producers and a special guest moderator. The filmmaker will be present for questions and answers.
2024 hours are: Friday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.
Tickets
Advance tickets: $8, At the gate, $10, Children 12 and under admitted free. All event dates are rain or shine. (Ticket prices subject to change.)
Advance Ticket Purchase Locations
• GASC, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33991, (239) 283-1400
Mark Your Calendar For The Craftie Ladies’
Fall Craft Fair
Submitted by The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church
The Craftie Ladies of St. John XXIII Catholic Church are once again having their Fall Craft Fair.
placemats/napkins, handmade rosaries, jewelry, mother/ daughter aprons, tooth fairy pillows, novel baby items, lots of lovely holiday décor, including our fabulous wreaths, and so much more!
The Craftie Ladies came together 15 years ago. The group has grown to nearly 40 talented and dedicated women. All proceeds go directly back into the community. Just a few causes we donate to:
If you’ve been to one of our craft fairs before, you know we have a large variety of top quality, homemade items for sale. In addition to our well-known, exquisite quilts, afghans and handknit and crocheted items, there will be pillows, table runners,
Some of our always fabulous raffle baskets include BBQ, Evening in Paris, Chocolate, Cat, Dog, and Layette baskets, plus more made by our wonderfully talented women. The drawing for each basket will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. You don’t have to be present to win!
Come and join us on: Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A.C.T.
Blankets And Blessings
Eva’s Closet
St. John XXIII Villas
St. Martin De Porres
We hope to see you at our Fall Craft Fair at St. John XXIII Catholic Church Parish Life Center, located on Palomino Lane, just north of Daniels Parkway. Stop by, have a chat and maybe get some early shopping done.
Following the screening will be an
Duck Wallow Lane bluegrass band
Carnival area for kids
Specialty food
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening Of Halloween Classics
October 26, 6 To 8:30 p.m.
Seating: is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis in each zone
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to aweinspiring locations like never seen before in Fort Myers. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by Halloween at the Music & Arts Community Center with the Gulf Coast Symphony under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Venue: Music & Arts Community Center – Gulf Coast Symphony, 13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 minutes prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult Accessibility: This venue is ADA compliant
For information about booking a private concert (minimum 40-plus people), a Candlelight gift card, viewing additional Candlelight concerts in Fort Myers and other frequently asked questions, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony.org/concert/ candlelight-halloween.
Tentative Program
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Funeral March of a Marionette – Charles Gounod
String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto – Dmitri Shostakovich
Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) – Mike Oldfield
Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E
Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman
The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy
Halloween (Theme) – John Carpenter
Psycho (Prelude) – Bernard Herrmann
Ghostbusters (Theme) – Ray Parker Jr. Danse Macabre – Camille Saint-Saëns
Night on Bald Mountain –Modest Mussorgsky
Der Erlkönig – Franz Schubert
Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman Performers Listeso String Quartet
To contribute to your Gulf Harbour Soundings newspaper, please send articles, announcements, photos, events or any issues to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.
898-2472
Gulf Harbour Book Club Review
The Women
Submitted by Joan
Kaplan
The Gulf Harbour Book club met on September 9 to discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. There were 27 members involved in the discussion with five on Zoom.
Diane Dinkins did a fabulous job on her author review. In addition to what is written here by her, she elaborated by visiting You Tube and other social media sites to gather more info. She has combined the author review with details of the book that also reviews the book.
The author of The Women is Kristin Hannah. She is a wellknown author of over 20 novels of which many are historical fiction. She was born in Garden Grove, California, on Sept 25, 1960 (current age – nearly 64). She lived with her family in southern California until she was eight.
At that time, the family moved to western Washington state. Kristin earned a degree in communications from the University of Washington, worked in advertising for a short time and then obtained her law degree from the University of Puget Sound. She practiced law in the Seattle area before she began her writing career. She currently resides with her husband on Bainbridge Island in Washington. She has one son, Tucker.
She began her writing career when her mother was dying from breast cancer, but this work was never published. She said she has left instructions that this novel, even after her death, will never be published. Her first novel, one of her best-known books, Firefly Lane was published in 2008. This book follows the lives and friendship of two teenage girls in the 1970s through their adulthood. It was the basis for a Netflix series in 2021.
Another of her most famous books is The Nightingale. This novel was the Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the People’s Choice award for best fiction in the same year. This book, set in WWII occupied France, is the story of two sisters. One sister joins the Resistance in an active role helping downed Allied soldiers escape to Spain, and the other sister just struggles to survive in occupied France. Eventually as conditions worsen, this sister helps fight the Nazi rule by hiding Jewish children. After writing this book, Kristin related that she became more focused on writing historical fiction.
In writing the book The Women, Kristin Hannah states in her interviews that she wanted to tell the previously untold stories of strong courageous women especially in combat situations. She first discussed the idea of a Viet Nam book with her publisher in 1997. The publisher (who had attended the University of California at Berkeley) told her she was not ready to write this story and neither did she have the necessary life experience. The publisher also acknowledged that the world was not ready for this type of story. The idea for this book reemerged for Kristin in 2020 when she saw the divisiveness of the covid situation while the country was in lockdown. She recognized the courageousness of the doctors and nurses on the front lines of fighting this disease who did not receive any recognition for their efforts. Her initial interest in the Viet Nam war began in the 4th grade when her friend’s Air Force father was shot down and reported as MIA. She wore a bracelet with his name on it for many years to support her friend.
Hannah was asked why she elaborated on the gruesome medical injuries encountered in the surgical units. She explained that she wanted to answer those critics who said that nurses were not in combat by emphasizing the horrendous injuries they had seen in the combat hospitals. Most of them were unexperienced and often recent nursing graduates. The experiences of the main character Frankie in Viet Nam covers the first half of this novel. The second phase centers on Frankie’s “homecoming” experiences. Viet Nam vets came home to be treated with scorn because of their service in this unpopular war. In the case of the nurses, they were not given any credibility for their experience,
and they were just expected to go home and be wives and mothers. One female Viet Nam veteran told the author that she had been grieving in her shame for over fifty years because of this treatment.
Many returning veterans both soldiers and nurses suffered PTSD with very few treatment options. Hannah did not base her main character on any one specific Viet Nam era nurse although she researched the memoirs of several nurses. Writing about the View Nam era presented a unique challenge to her since people of this era are still alive. It was necessary for her to be extra diligent in her factual content. She stated that her path in writing this book did not begin with the total plot established.
Hannah just knew she wanted to write about the lost historical stories of bravery, courage, and resilience in women.
Kristin Hannah thinks that The Women is the best book that she has written and, in her words, “It will be a tough act to follow.” Our discussion was so emotional. The book is indicative of what is happening today. History sure does repeat itself. This is a must read book.
The Gulf Harbour Book Club usually meets on the first Monday of each month in the club’s board room. If you want to join the book club email joankaplan@mac.com. Zoom is available for members during the off season. October is The Paris Bookseller. Beginning in November we will have seven authors on Zoom. November is Maria’s Scarf; December, The House on Biscayne Bay; January, Family, Family; February, Becoming Madam Secretary; March is the sequel to Ravenscraig; April, The Stolen Queen; and May, The End of Your Life Book Club
The famous authors are Zoro, Chanel Cleeton, Laurie Frankel, Stephanie Dray, Sandi Altner, Fiona Davis, and Will Schwalbe.
• Farmer Joe’s, 1401 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33991, (239) 510-4385
• European Food Market, 12901 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 332-7200
• European Grocery Market, 1242 S.W. Pine Island Road, Suite 53, Cape Coral, FL 33991, (239) 599-8253
• Kallis German Butcher, 2420 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, (941) 627-1413
Oktoberfest VIP Experience
This year, the GASC is again offering an enhanced VIP Experience designed for those who appreciate a little extra comfort and exclusivity. For $100, and with limited availability, you gain access to a dedicated VIP area in the tent, complete with its own bar and private restrooms.
Additionally, VIP ticket holders will have access to a separate VIP parking lot close to the main entrance and a VIP lane at the main gate for faster access to the festival area.
Your ticket also includes admission for the day to Oktoberfest, a dinner at Von Steuben Hall, a filled glass Bier stein with up to five refills, a special Jägermeister drink, and a curated gift bag.
The VIP tickets are available online only. Visit https:// capecoraloktoberfest.com/vip-experience.
Parking
Due to the tremendous popularity of the Cape Coral Oktoberfest, we are once again offering satellite parking to our guests.
The shuttle lot is located at 1448 Ceitus Terrace, just north of Aldi at Chiquita Blvd. and Pine Island Road. Shuttle busses will run continuously from 4 p.m. until midnight. As always, parking is free!
About The German American Social Club
The German American Social Club of Cape Coral, Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating German culture and traditions. The club offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including the Cape Coral Oktoberfest, regular social gatherings, and cultural events.
The GASC of Cape Coral was founded as a nonpolitical organization in July 1964 with a charter membership of 34. The purpose of the club, then and now, is to promote good fellowship with a variety of social activities, to perpetuate traditional German festivals such as Oktoberfest, Karneval, costume balls, folk dances, etc., and to stimulate interest in the German language and customs.
Attention
If you are not receiving your monthly issues of Gulf Harbour Soundings , please email mailroom@ seabreezecommunications.com with your name, address and community to ensure your information is correct.
Every year in October, the club organizes Munich in Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Oktoberfest is the largest party of the year in the community! It is the event for fun, good food, freshly poured domestic and German beer, live music on several stages, laughter, dancing – with or without the chicken hat.
Visit gasc-capecoral.com to see upcoming events. Nonmembers are also encouraged to come for dinner and dancing every Friday night. You might even considering joining as a new member!
German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL 33991. Phone: (239) 283-1400, Fax: (239) 283-5511, Email: info@gasc-capecoral.com, and website: gasc-capecoral.com.
Photos courtesy of the German American Social Club
Congratulations To Alexandra Reifschneider, Ms. Oktoberfest 2024
Marking the 39th Annual Oktoberfest, the Ms. Oktoberfest Pageant, held on Saturday, July 13, kicked off this year’s Oktoberfest Season in Cape Coral. Alexandra Reifschneider was chosen from among five contestants to reign as Ms. Oktoberfest in 2024 at the German American Social Club of Cape Coral. Jasmin Pearson is the first runner-up, followed by Sara Skorak as the second runner-up.
Alexandra was born in New Jersey to a German mother and an American father, cultivating a deep appreciation for both cultures from an early age. Her journey with German heritage began in high school, where she was an active member of the German Folk Club, teaching traditional dances and sharing cultural knowledge with her peers. Alexandra’s commitment to service led her to join the U.S. Army as a military police officer while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and military science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During her six-year military career, she demonstrated leadership as a squad fire team leader and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for outstanding performance. After claiming her German citizenship, Alexandra moved to Florida where she discovered the German American Social Club and met her husband Florian. Currently, Alexandra works as a digital designer for a German company. She visits Germany multiple times a year, strengthening her connection to the culture while spending time with her German family.
The German American Social Club of Cape Coral is proud to be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and Alexandra wants to use her skills to help the club grow stronger.
Photo courtesy of the German American Social Club
Attention Association Board Members
When your officers change, be sure to notify us so that we can keep both www.GulfHarbour33908.com and the Soundings updated.
Festival tent and outside Biergarten – three stages, two dance floors, nonstop live bands and German music
Plenty of beverages, imported German Bier, domestic beer, German wine and spirits, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and bottled water
Florida Rep Theatre Kicks Off 27th Season
With The Musical Joyride, Forever Plaid!
The Smash Hit 1950s Music Revue, By
Comes To Life
Stuart Ross And James Raitt,
In The Immersive Artstage Studio Theatre
directed, and choreographed by Stuart Ross, with musical continuity supervision and arrangements by James Raitt. The score features a variety of music styles including swing, boogie-woogie, Latin, Calypso, and more.
Single ticket prices for Forever Plaid are $67 for regular performances from Sept. 17 to Oct. 27.
Florida Repertory Theatre opens its 27th season with Forever Plaid a nostalgic, funny – and heavenly – musical revue by Stuart Ross and James Raitt. The production runs in the immersive ArtStage Studio Theatre from Sept. 17 through Oct. 27. Tickets start at $67 and may be purchased online at www.floridarep.org or by calling the box office at (239) 332-4488 or toll-free at (877) 787-8053.
Forever Plaid follows four high school buddies, Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie, who, after tragedy strikes on the way to their first big gig, get to perform a show-stopping concert in the afterlife. The boy band takes audiences on a dazzling journey through the classic tunes of the 1950s performing beloved hits including Three Coins in the Fountain, Sixteen Tons, Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, and more. The production was written, originally
Community News
Bellavista • Coronado • Courtyard Homes
• Crooked Pond • Edgewater • Grande Cay
• Harbour Landings I • Harbour Landings II
• Harbour Links • Long Pond • Marblehead Manor • Mariposa • Mill Pond • Osprey Landing • Osprey Point • Palmas Del Sol
• Paramount • Rivers Edge • Sagamore • Seaside Estates • Tamarind Cay • The Shores I • The Shores II • The Shores III
If you want your community news included here, please send articles and pictures to GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com by the 4th of each month.
Gulf Harbour Country Club Board Of Governors
Bill Lambert President
Scott Bassett ..................... Vice President
Jack Bourget Treasurer
George Johnson Secretary
Kim Bauman Governor
Patti Buckingham Governor
Bruce Jasurda Governor
Chris Moore Governor
Nata Munk Governor
Gulf Harbour Websites
Gulf Harbour Master Association • www.GulfHarbour33908.com
Paramount • http://www.athomenet.com/theparamount Tamarind Cay • https://smca.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/home/ Gulf Harbour Country Club • www.gulfharbour.com Marina • www.gulfharbourmarina.com
Yacht Club • www.gulfharbouryachtclub.org
“Forever Plaid is a loving, retro story about chasing dreams and second chances,” said Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen. “Audiences of all ages will swoon as this talented ensemble of artists performs these iconic and timeless songs from the 1950s.”
The ensemble cast features New York-based actors Christopher Bailey, Caleb Funk, Steven Martella, and Jack Mastrianni, all making their Florida Rep debuts. Musical director and pianist Steven Zumbrun accompanies the troupe.
Director and choreographer Michael Marotta (Beguiled Again) will be joined by an expert creative team including musical director Steven Zumbrun (Florida Rep Debut), set designer Aaron Jackson (Beguiled Again), costume designer Kristina Tollefson (Driving Miss Daisy), lighting designer and ensemble member Todd O. Wren (The Importance of Being Earnest), sound designer Braden Downing (Late Nite Catechism), and stage manager Mary Ruth Knackstedt (The Gin Game).
Forever Plaid is sponsored by Sam Galloway FordLincoln and Lighthouse Wealth Management.
Curtain times are 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 8 p.m. for the opening night performance on Friday, Sept. 20. Florida Rep’s parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.
About Florida Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1998, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional, live theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry.
Subscriptions for the 2024/25 season are on sale. Packages start as low as $246 for six shows. For more information visit FloridaRep.org or call the box office at (239) 332-4488 or toll-free at (877) 787-8053. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes insight, special offers, and more.
Sanibel Community Association’s Fall Festival
Friday, October 25
Our Annual Fall Festival is back! Please join us for a family-friendly good time! We’ll have cider, donuts, pumpkins and more! Bring your family and friends, and even your pet—we’ll have a special fall-themed photo area for pictures, too!
The Community House is considered to be “The Heart of the Island,” with its rich history of serving islanders as both a gathering place for island activities as well as a rental space for private events. Built in 1927, it was one of the first nonprofits on the island. Their mission is “To enrich community spirit through educational, cultural and social gatherings in our historic Community House.”
Source: https://sanibelcommunityhouse.net
The Community House, Sanibel Community Association, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact us at (239) 472-2155 or info@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.
Association Management Services
t Compass Rose Management, our Certified Managers hold the highest designations in the industry - CMCA, AMS and PCAM.
Dedicated to advocating on your behalf and committed to performance excellence, education and training as an organization offering over 35 years of industry experience.
Our team of qualified professionals is looking forward to working with your Community Boards and Homeowners!
Director and Choreographer Michael Marotta
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?
By Karen Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist
This month’s article will explore a little-known relationship between orchids and ferns … and then we’ll wrap up with information about some of the unique ferns that can be found throughout the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
For many years, successful growth and propagation of epiphytic orchids such as cattleyas, phalaenopsis and more were dependent on anchoring new plants to a medium known as “osmunda fiber.” The name osmunda traces back to the Saxon for domestic peace or to the Viking god, Thor.
Osmunda fiber is a substrate ground from the very dense, wiry tough root mass of Osmunda ferns. It was favored by growers because it is slow to decay, lasting from two to four years; and it holds moisture very well, while not compromising aeration of the newly rooted orchid. It’s also highly nutritious – releasing 3 percent of needed nitrogen to the orchids as the fiber decays, promoting growth of young plants without additional fertilizer.
Osmunda ferns that produce suitable fiber include three species: the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis), the Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomen) and the Interrupted Fern (O. claytoniana). In all, 13 species of native Osmunda ferns are found in eastern portions of North America from Canada to Southwest Florida!
Osmunda regalis var. spectablis is native to Florida. While all other species of this Royal Fern are abundant and found in all 67 counties of Florida, over-harvesting for use as an orchid growing medium has caused Florida to list the plant as commercially exploited; its status throughout the U.S. and Canada is still listed as secure.
Ferns arrived on the planet 365 million years ago and they gave rise to the cycads. Ferns don’t flower or bear fruit but reproduce via spores. Most ferns produce their spores as small brown dots on the undersides of their fronds (leaves). Each
Alliance For The Arts from page 1
Bluegrass Concert Series Presents Morgan Brake And Duck Wallow Lane
Date and Time: October 27, 3 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Member’s price, $18, Nonmember’s price, $20 Duck Wallow Lane is a small town bluegrass band, doing what they love to do! We are thrilled to welcome Morgan Brake and Duck Wallow Lane back to the stage at the Alliance! Morgan Brake is part of the next generation of up and coming Bluegrass musicians taking flight. She is a fantastic singer songwriter and is already making waves in Bluegrass and Americana across the country.
Fresh off of their performance at the Florida Bluegrass Summit, you won’t want to miss this show in our loft where every seat is like a front row seat.
Please note the updated gallery and administrative office hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Alliance For The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, (239) 939-2787.
pattern of sori found on the underside is like a fingerprint for identification of a fern species. Look at the difference in the sori of the Staghorn fern, the Asian Suloi fern and the Holly fern. Uniquely, Osmunda ferns produce bouquets of red, gold, or brown fertile fronds in their centers for easy identification in the wild. While Osmunda ferns represent the smallest order of ferns, when it comes to fern fossils, they are found most often
The herbal value of the Royal Fern has been known to civilizations for thousands of years. More recently, in 2017, an article in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies peer journal spoke to the role of osmunda root interrupting the growth of squamous cells in head and neck skin cancers. Work on this discovery continues as these are the most common cancers in humans.
As gardeners, think about ferns with which you are familiar. When was the last time you saw fronds chewed by insects, covered by aphids, or blackened by a mysterious fungal blight? Perhaps their nearly 400 million years of success holds the keys to cross species preservation.
The sympatico relationship between ferns and orchids doesn’t end with osmunda fiber. Fabulous ferns to grow in Southwest Florida that can serve as outstanding hosts to epiphytic orchids, are the exotic tree ferns. Commonly called Australian Tree Ferns, (many are from New Zealand), tree ferns, are, of course, not trees. The trunk is part of its shallow, but immensely strong root system allowing the fern to grow to great heights, sometimes 65 feet in the wild. An old tree fern trunk can be nearly impossible to cut even with a chainsaw, due to the dense fiber within its core. Like solitary palms, the center of growth is the apical meristem at the bottom of the frond canopy and must always be protected.
Tree ferns are relatively easy to grow provided: 1.) They are not allowed to dry out; 2) They receive dappled sunlight with protection from the hottest afternoon sun; and 3.) They have well-draining, rich, and heavily-mulched soil. In their native habitat, called the bush, the newly emerging fiddleheads of the tree ferns are often the first signs of regrowth after a fire.
Tree ferns are not really trees, but they grow like one and can provide a lot of interest in a shady garden.
Occasionally, Cyathea cooperi, the Lacy Tree Fern, is available in the Garden Shoppe at the Estates. The C. cooperi are fast-growing tree ferns. Native to the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia, give these tree ferns good organic fertilizer or well-rotted animal manure to help them thrive. This species can be found in the Begonia and Fern Garden at the Estates.
There are many species of ferns growing throughout the gardens at Edison and Ford
As far back as 1908, historic records indicate that Mina Edison loved ferns, perhaps because they were easy to obtain from the property and forests. As Mina knew, many make great container plants, and all do best in moist, shady areas of the garden. Two of her favorites were the Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillis-veneris) and Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exalta), which is the native Florida sword fern. Exotic and invasive sword ferns are often sold as Boston Ferns but be on the watch for tuber’s growing in or on the roots. These ferns will aggressively steal your landscape if planted and can be very difficult to remove. When in doubt, visit the Estates for accurate information.
Mina also grew the Foxtail Fern or Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern ( Asparagus densiflorus ) in art-deco pots in the Moonlight Garden as well as the Asparagus Fern, (Asparagus aethiopicus) that wispy hanging plant with treacherous small thorns hiding in the stems with bright red berries. Be aware that the Asparagus Fern is a Category 1 Invasive plant in Florida, so this one should not be planted.
The final fern I would like to introduce is one of my favorites – the Whisk Fern (Psilotum nudum) or Bare Naked because this fern does not have true roots. In the spring, it produces yellow berries which are the sporangia (spore casings). This fern can be grown as an epiphyte or in humusrich soil, provided it gets partial shade. The Florida native fern lacks true leaves or roots and can grow to 18 inches tall. It is basically pest and disease free like most ferns and can be grown in a pot. It may go dormant if temperatures get very cold, as do most tropical ferns.
Today, due to the high cost of obtaining sustainably harvested osmunda, orchids can be grown in a variety of growing mediums, such as sphagnum moss, fir bark and coco coir, sometimes called gorilla hair. The next time you visit the Estates, see if you can find the above ferns throughout the gardens!
All photos courtesy of K.M. Maxwell
Association Presidents
Admiral’s
Courtyard
Crooked Pond
Edgewater
Grande Cay
Gulf Harbour Master
Gulf
Harbour
Harbour Landings
Harbour
Long
Dave Knust
David Lein
Mariposa Steve Perseo
Mill Pond
Maureen Herold
Osprey Landing Bill Crouch
Osprey Point
Palmas Del Sol
Rivers
Sagamore
Seaside Estates
Tamarind Cay Harvey Gordon
The Shores I Gene Marshall
The Shores II Dan Montgomery
The Shores III
The Shores IV
Dave Reimer
John Albano
The Asparagus Fern is an invasive species and should never be planted in Florida.
Many fern species, such as the Cinnamon Fern and the Maiden Hair Fern are native to Florida.
Winter Estates.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno
Improving Home Security
Home burglary results in losses exceeding $3 billion, in the United States, each year.
Based upon reports, a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States and that someone is at home 27.6 percent of the time. Despite images of burglars creeping through backyards in the middle of the night, statistics show that the majority of burglaries occur between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., when homes are often unoccupied.
Disconcerting?
While these crimes have decreased in Lee County, it is prudent to discuss proactive measures that can be taken to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of victimization.
Preventative measures worth considering:
The addition of security cameras goes a long way toward preventing criminal activity and assisting in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Video doorbell cameras and strategically placed external cameras often dissuade would-be criminals.
Exterior lighting is perhaps the easiest and most inexpensive way to discourage criminals. Well-lit areas increase visibility through windows, improve video surveillance quality and make your home a less desirable target.
Landscaping is a wonderful way to add “curb-appeal” to your home. Unfortunately, overgrown shrubs and trees that block windows and doorways or cast large shadows allow criminals to move about your property without being seen. Additionally, unmowed lawns often give the impression that the homeowner is away.
Upgrading door and window locks, as well as securing sliding glass doors, will prevent easy access to your home. Most sliding glass doors have poor quality locks. They are susceptible to pry bars, hammers and screwdrivers and can usually be opened rather easily. Secure these doors using security bars, pins or upgraded locks.
Whenever you leave your home … even if just to quickly visit a neighbor … lock your doors and take a key.
Don’t leave valuables near windows where they can easily be seen and taken.
Floridians like to leave their garage doors open. Please reconsider this practice.
Hiding a spare key under a door mat or in a nearby planter makes for easy access to your home.
Golf Cart Rules Reminder
Gulf Harbour has had several incidents and issues involving golf carts. Reports have included underage driving, wrong-way driving, driving on pedestrian and bike paths, and driving under the influence.
Some excerpts from our Rules and Regulations:
Any member, family member, or guest may operate a motorized vehicle (i.e. cars, trucks, golf carts, motorized scooters, etc.) on Master Association property as long as the driver is at least 16 years of age, has a valid driver’s license, and has proof of vehicle insurance.
All golfers with golf carts should refrain from using pedestrian and bicycle pathways, if at all possible, especially
Leaving ladders around your home assists burglars intent on entering second-story windows … yours or nearby homes. Secure ladders in a closed garage when not in use.
Too many Lee County residents leave their vehicles unlocked overnight. Many contain garage door openers. Lock your vehicles whenever you exit and take any and all valuables inside with you.
Break down cardboard boxes from expensive purchases such as large-screen televisions, computers, etc. When left curbside, they serve to advertise your new purchase. Report suspicious activity to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office or to your local law enforcement agency.
Seeking Soundings Writers
Do you have an interesting story to share?
The Soundings is always looking for new and talented writers to submit articles on events, the social scene, restaurants, movies, family matters, village life, etc… Now is your chance to share your interests with the community. You can contribute each month, just once, or once in a while.
• Are you involved in any particular activities in Gulf Harbour or around town?
if a golf cart path is available in that area and the golf cart driver is playing golf at the time. When use of a Gulf Harbour road is necessary, ATVs, and golf carts utilized for other than golf activities should be driven in the same direction as vehicle traffic and comply with all rules that apply to vehicles.
All Florida rules of the road must be followed when driving motor vehicles within Gulf Harbour.
Please consider the above when driving your golf cart at Gulf Harbour.
• Can you share your knowledge about a specific topic or hobby?
• Do you have (or did you retire from) an interesting career?
• Are you the person who always knows what to do/ where to go in our area?
• Do you like to take pictures or draw cartoons?
• Can you pass along a favorite recipe?
If you answered yes to any of the above or have an idea of your own, you can submit your articles (and photos) at GulfHarbourReport@gmail.com.
Nine Principles To Maintain A Florida-Friendly Landscape
What you do to your landscape matters. From the vegetation you plant to the irrigation and fertilization schedule, an educated take on yard maintenance can save you time and money, plus make a positive impact on the environment.
According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, there are nine principles to follow to maintain a healthy and environmentally- friendly property.
1. Right plant right place – Not all plants thrive in direct Florida sunlight or overly moist conditions. Knowing where to plant flowers, shrubs and trees according to their preferred soil, light, water and climate conditions will be beneficial for you and your landscape. Native Florida plants generally require less maintenance than non-native plants, and they’re environmentally sustainable.
2. Water efficiently – Homeowners can work proactively this time of year by collecting rainfall in rain barrels to distribute to plants and turf in drier times of the year. Additionally, in the rainy season, turn off the automatic irrigation system to prevent overwatering.
3. Fertilize appropriately – Pay attention to your local fertilizer ordinance. In much of Southwest Florida, the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited during the summer rainy season to prevent excess nutrients from entering local waterways. Instead, consider
Disclaimer
The Soundings is a newsletter published for the benefit of the residents of Gulf Harbour. Seabreeze Communications Group assists in providing publishing, printing and advertising services. The content is that of the authors which should not be construed to be representations, opinions or views of the Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., or its management, officers or directors or Seabreeze Communications Group. Additionally, the paid advertising in the Soundings should not be construed as an endorsement of any advertised product or service. Finally, none of the content of the Soundings may be reproduced for any purpose nor can the name GHY&CC Homeowner’s Association or similar modification be used in any way without the express prior written consent of the GH Master Association Inc Board of Directors.
Gulf Harbour
Master Association Board Of Directors
President Chris Cope
Vice President David J. Urban
Secretary Dave Van Namee
Treasurer Carl Pecko
Director Carol Gillespie
Director John Wilson
Director Sam Schiphorst
Gulf Harbour Marina Board of Directors
President Doug Duncan
Vice President Stephen Patterson
Secretary Mike Needler
Treasurer Craig Anderson
Marina Appearance Committee David Kelley
Gulf Harbour Master Association Board Meetings
will now be routinely held at Suitor Middleton Cox & Associates offices, 15751 San Carlos Blvd #8, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Meeting date and times will continue to be posted on the signs at the north and south entrances.
Reminder:
All Dogs MUST be leashed at ALL times in and on Gulf Harbour Properties.
a homemade fertilizer such as compost. Keep in mind that many native Florida plants don’t need fertilizer to thrive.
4. Mulch – Mulch has a variety of benefits for your landscape. It retains moisture in the soil and moderates soil temperatures, plus it inhibits weed growth and gives landscapes a neat, uniform appearance.
5. Attract wildlife – Plants with seeds, fruit, flowers or berries can help support Florida wildlife by offering birds and other animals a place to shelter and feed. Landscaping that attracts butterflies can help with pollination, and beneficial insects can help reduce pests.
6. Manage yard pests responsibly – Using as few chemicals as possible is better for your family, pets, budget and the environment. If possible, remove infected leaves or plant parts instead of spraying insecticide. Try to spot-treat the areas of infected plants instead of blanket spraying them.
7. Recycle yard waste – Creating organic fertilizer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grass clippings, fallen leaves and plant cuttings release nutrients back into the soil as they decompose. This nutrient source is cheaper and just as effective as other fertilizer, but much better for the environment.
8. Reduce stormwater runoff – Stormwater runoff can negatively impact water quality by washing excess nutrients from fertilizers, pet waste, insecticides and more into local waterbodies. Reduce runoff on your property by capturing stormwater in rain barrels or redirecting it to porous areas such as flower beds or a rain garden.
9. Protect the waterfront – Establish a “lowmaintenance zone” by the water. Don’t mow, fertilize or spray pesticides in this area to help prevent unwanted chemicals from entering the water. Low-maintenance zones can also provide a home for birds and other wildlife.
Rules & Regulations Reminder
• Lakes: No boating, fishing or swimming in any lake within Gulf Harbour.
• Eagle Perch Island: No fishing.
• Marina: No recreational swimming or fishing in the marina. No fish or other marine life of any kind shall be cleaned, prepared or processed in any manner on the property. Regulations are fully supported by: Gulf Harbour Master Association Inc., Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club Inc., Gulf Harbour Marina Condominium Association Inc.
Important Phone Numbers
Gate Access and Community Patrol
Pre-Call Gate Access Line 239-935-5179
North Gatehouse 239-482-5039
South Gatehouse
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